Erected 125 years ago, the famous Dōgo Onsen Honkan begins this year a renovation project that will take 7 years, but 2 baths at the first floor will still be opened to the public. Designed by Matahachiro Sakamoto, a craftsman who was the descendant of the family of master carpenters that worked at the constuction of the Matsuyama castle, Dōgo Onsen is today a symbol of Japan’s hot springs.

It was the first public bathhouse in Japan designated as an Important National Cultural Asset, and it also received 3 stars from the Michelin Green Guide for Japan, in 2009. Dōgo Onsen gained international fame after being recognized as the inspiration for the building in the Spirited Away movie.

Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama, Ehime

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Mikoshi swaying